Intro – Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) Reviews & Ranking


AdvisoryHQ recently published its list and review of the top credit unions in Illinois, a list that included Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU).

Below we have highlighted some of the many reasons Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) was selected as one of the best credit unions in Illinois.

Click here for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodology: AdvisoryHQ’s Methodology for Selecting Top Banks and Credit Unions.



Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) Review


Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) is a member-owned financial institution that has been providing top-quality products and services to improve the financial lives of members since 1937. Currently, this Peoria-based credit union has more than 300,000 members, which includes employees of over 500 partner employers.

The primary philosophy that serves as a foundation for the operations of CEFCU includes putting members first as well as being genuinely helpful and resourceful. This Illinois credit union offers not only personal banking options but also business solutions.

Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) Reviews
Image Source: CEFCU



Key Factors Leading Us to Rank This Firm as One of This Year’s Top Credit Union Firms

Upon completing our detailed review, Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) was included in AdvisoryHQ’s ranking of this year’s best credit unions based on the following factors. 

CEFCU Review: Checking Accounts

There are two primary checking accounts available from this IL credit union. The first is the basic checking account, which includes convenience as well as a number of benefits. Some of the benefits include no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. There’s also a free debit card included with this account and overdraft protection choices.

Also available is a dividend checking account, which includes all of the benefits of the standard checking account as well as 0.10% dividends. There is a daily minimum balance requirement to maintain this account.



CEFCU Review: College Savings

CEFCU offers the opportunities for families to start saving for their children’s education when they open a CEFCU Coverdell Education Savings Account. This can be used to pay elementary, secondary or college education expenses.

You can save $2,000 per year for each child under the age of 18, and there are tax-free qualified withdrawals. This account is federally insured up to $250,000, but there are income limits, and the funds must be withdrawn by the time the child is 30.

CEFCU Review: Credit Cards

This credit union in Illinois offers a range of valuable credit card options for members. Options include the standard MasterCard, the MasterCard Rewards, and MasterCard World. All have a low variable interest rate and no annual fee. The MasterCard Rewards and World cards are eligible to be part of the Rewards program, and all cards feature free ID theft protection and transaction alerts.

Each of the cards also features free trip cancellation and travel perks. The MasterCard World offers luxury travel upgrades and no foreign transaction fees.

Reward-eligible cards help users earn points that can be exchanged for a variety of rewards and bonus rewards. In addition, there are fuel rewards and shopping extras.



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CEFCU Review: Online Security

CEFCU works to deliver mobile and online solutions that are not only convenient and accessible for members but that also maintain the strictest security standards. CEFCU uses 256-bit Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, constantly monitors systems and updates them, and uses multiple layers of security.

CEFCU also provides a variety of tips for members to protect themselves against the threat of fraud.

Finally, there is an online security center where members can get answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding mobile and online security and protection. 


In addition to reviewing the above Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) review, you can click on any of the links below to browse exclusive reviews of AdvisoryHQ’s top rated banking firms & credit unions:

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